Wise Spending Do you really need that? – A teen’s guide to spending wisely! As I’ve been learning to save my money and prioritize in terms of spending and expenses, the same question has been popping up every time I make my way to the department store, do you really need that? Whether it’s a great lipstick, a funky looking t-shirt or nice pair of shoes to go with a few new outfits of mine, the question never ceases to play like a broken record in the space of my mind. As I’ve started to take inventory of the things that I do own, I started to see how much money was going to waste in my weekly purchases. Simple challenge for the month: Take inventory and assess. Be honest with yourself in knowing the difference between what it is that you need and the things that you want. Remember wanting things aren’t a negative but unnecessary spending is. Everything in your life should serve for a purpose and not to occupy space, that also goes for your purchases. So here’s a few tips in keeping track of your stuff – 1. Take inventory Make sure you’re aware of all of the things that you own 2. Make a list Jot down the things you have and then make a list of the things you need 3. Add or substract Now that you know what you have, you know what you don’t have and what you don’t want 4. Repeat Refresh and restart every season No need for unnecessary spending when you know what it is that you need.
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Learn The Lesson! Learn the lesson: Honour Mical Kasweka
I often sit amazed at the amount of lessons that life has to offer. Many times I sit and think of all of life’s difficult scenarios and situations only to be amazed at the lessons and skills that were acquired during what seemed to be a black hole. I live my life with a simple conviction: There is a lesson in everything. No matter how difficult, annoying, petty, hurtful or funny the situation might be – there is and always will be a lesson and that lesson is waiting for me. The quality of your life is based on the lessons you’ve committed to learn and a few years ago I made a huge but simple commitment: to honour my parents. At the time I did it because my New Year resolution was to work on all of my character flaws – little did I know, that can be pretty overwhelming when you try to conquer a lifelong process as a New Year resolution. As I committed to honouring my parents, abiding by their rules, listening, obeying and trusting that their leadership was [better] than my own, I realized that this commitment would give me more than I had ever expected - I have cultivated a deep, wealthy and meaningful friendship with my parents. Granted they are still my parents and still have the last say, but we are in partnership and they aren’t just dictators, they are my friends – particularly my mother. She teaches me that at any stage of life a good listener is cherished, protected, well taken care of and listened to in return.
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Coming up into it’s 9th year here in Toronto I have been championing COMMFFEST GLOBAL Community FILM FESTIVAL an annual event addressing social and cultural issues locally and internationally. COMMFFEST is a vehicle, bringing communities together, celebrating our uniqueness and similarities through the language of film, debates and forums. It is a platform for filmmakers to dialogue with the community. This venture came to me in 1992 whilst working at a small not for profit distribution company called Full Frame Film and Video Distribution. I viewed amazing films from around the world created by remarkable ingenious independent filmmakers whose passion for truth justice and simply the caring of others was tantamount in their lives. These films brought to light the plights and successes of communities’ as well as our global commonalities, yet unknown to the public. I vowed someday to make these filmmakers works known. Hence COMMFFEST GLOBAL COMMUNITY FILM FESTIVAL, films that are life changing and unifying, held every September in The St. Lawrence Market at the Rainbow Cinema and Malvern Public library in Scarborough. Commffest is the celebration of communities. Also the Producer for Commffest Radio located at www.blogtalkradio.com/commffestradio
Founder and President, CommFFest Global Community Film Festival Festival Director, Producer for Commffest Radio Publisher and Filmmaker
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Our Services Individual Support Services Individual Support Services offer opportunities for in-home respite, out-of-home respite, transportation, school-to-work transitional supports, and other supports to meet the unique needs of individuals and their families.
Supported Independent Living This model of service is an option for a person who chooses to live independently or with a roommate. The level of support is determined on an individual basis and can range from several hours per day to a few hours each week.
Community Participation Supports | Employment Supports Our community support services and/or employment supports offer opportunities for skills development, community involvement, employment, volunteer opportunities and recreational activities. These are explored on an individual basis, and supports are available to enable the person to participate in meaningful and interesting activities.
Family Home Services Family Home Services is a support model in which a person with exceptional needs is supported by a family other than their own. This support model is similar to foster care in that the person with a developmental disability lives as a family member and receives accommodations, meals, personal care, emotional support, etc., similar to any other family member.
Community Residences Community residences provide a quality residential setting for adults and children who require assistance in daily living. Generally, in this type of setting, two to six people share a home or apartment and have access to support 24-hours a day
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CONTACT US CORPORATE OFFICE 25 Sportsworld Crossing Road Kitchener, Ontario N2P 0A5 Phone. (519) 650 0966 Toll Free. 1 (866) 362 6810 Fax. (519) 650 8984 Email. info@christian-horizons.org
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Jeremy Rodney Hall Jeremy Rodney Hall, photographer has always been interested in the creative arts: pictures, film, music, and words. He dates his interest in photography to 8 years of age. He bought his first camera, a Canon DSLR, at the age of 15 and since then have spent countless hours learning, perfecting, experimenting with different cameras, capturing images that will say something positive to the world about life and about people. Jeremy is drawn to portraits – depicting faces that say something about what’s going on inside the person, not posed or contrived, but naked and real. He wants his images to capture a look a glance, a posture that will emotionally impact people, get them to feel what he sees. Jeremy is enrolled in the Creative Photography program at 13 Humber College and resides in Toronto.
TRENDS IN TODAY’S GOSPEL MUSIC
I can remember when I first fell in love with Gospel music. It was back around 1984 listening to WBLK 93.7FM in Buffalo, NY. The station would switch from its heavy Urban format to an almost celestial sound on Sunday mornings, featuring song like Tomorrow by The Winans or Come By Here with Bishop Walter Hawkins & The Love Center Choir or Rev. James Cleveland shouting Peace Be Still, as he shushed the crowd. It was radio bliss for about six golden hours. I was sold on the sound of sacred church music from the break of dawn til around lunch hour.
That was almost twenty years ago. A lot in the music industry has changed since those Gospel days that featured big voices, instrumental jamming and choral vibrato. Gospel music is now in an era when melodies are simple music files, live recordings are reworked and remastered to perfection and songs are the centerpieces to successful album releases. In some ways, gone are the days of improvisations (aka imperfections), mega choirs, and caught-in-thespirit, extended tracks. This generation is much more concerned with hit singles and favored formats. If you’re an artist or just an avid fan of the genre, here are just five undeniable trends Gospel music became my heartbeat...my that have found its way to the forefront of Gospel absolute obsession...after attending my first music: unforgettable, Live concert in 1985 in a soldout auditorium in Toronto, Canada, as I was 1. Praise & Worship: Israel Houghton introduced captivated by Commissioned (the original it with songs like Our God. Kirk Franklin cast featuring Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, popularized it with his selection, Hosanna and Michael Brooks, Mitchell Jones, Karl Reid other principal praise leaders such as William and Michael Williams). These church boys were McDowell, Byron Cage and Tasha Cobbs have breaking all the rules in a righteous way, showing that Gospel music was ready for primetime.
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ensured that praise & worship is the anthem of the church. There’s no question that choral music has had to take a backseat to the praise & worship sound that’s firmly in the driver’s seat. 2. Studio vs Live: More and more Gospel recordings have abandoned the church and theatres and found a safe haven in the recording studio. Some artists show a preference for the recording booth (Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, CeCe Winans, Mary Mary), while others are still evenly divided between the live stage and the studio (Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, James Fortune)... but make no mistake about it, diminishing budgets and
precision recordings are dictating that the studio be the logical solution. As well, with Gospel music aiming to impact pop culture and mainstream music fans, producers are employing the formulas frequently used in today’s chart-topping songs...by adding the bells and whistles in the production room. 3. Soloists Get The Shine: When is the last time you saw a choir or ensemble featured on an album cover? Mississippi Mass Choir anyone? It’s all about the soloist today. Now some artists are genuinely soloists. Erica Campbell, Marvin Sapp and Tamela Mann are genuinely artists that the world need to know about. Their distinct message of the Gospel is uniquely interpreted by their big voices. However, in today’s music delivery system, JJ Hairston, Hezekiah Walker and Ricky Dillard are also singled out as the faces of their respective recordings, which may also feature an additonal twenty, thirty or even forty fabulous voices. The message is clear. Out with the posse and in with the personality that can connect easily with the public.
4. Five Minutes Or Less: Back in the day, Gospel music was notorious for some of the longest, most repetitive tracks ever captured on LP (someone say GMWA). It was not uncharacteristic for Rev. James Cleveland to go seven minutes long (and that was just his intro) but in today’s digital age, where attention span is good for about three to four minutes, songs get to the point and take you home in under five minutes. With iTunes and Amazon providing snippets of songs that last between 60-90 seconds, listeners are tuning out if the hook doesn’t arrive in record time. 5. The Hip Hop Generation: Just check out Billboard’s Gospel chart and you’ll see names
like Lecrae, Tedashii and Andy Mineo who are dominating the charts and selling serious units. In fact, Inspirational or Holy Hip Hop music is a formidable fixture on the Gospel charts. The next generation of church goers is gravitating to a sound and spirit that sounds a lot more like Kanye than Kirk. The shift towards Hip Hop can be seen and heard among a generation of music lovers 30 and under, who are taking their musical cues from social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube), as opposed to traditional media (radio, TV, magazines), fan pages and music blogs. Gospel music will always be the timeless message of Jesus Christ but to be a relevant artist that resonates with a sophisticated, cosmopolitan, multi-music loving audience, Gospel artists in particular will need to read the tea leaves, watch where the wind blows and adopt current trends that could finally expose these powerful music ministries to millions around the globe.
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Chatting With
Londa Larmond
When did you first start singing? Elaborate on your earliest memories of singing.
I’ve been singing since the age of 7. Of course I started in the church, as most, in the children’s choir. My very 1st solo was “Sometimes Hallelujah”. Oh boy, I still remember the way I sang it too. I remember how I sang every note. After that solo I pretty much remained in the background and would sing in various choirs. Even though, I knew that I was called to be in the forefront, I was content being in the background and had no problem supporting others that were upfront. To this day, I love singing background vocals and supporting the lead vocalist. The next solo in my church was from the Jamaican Gospel group, The Grace Thrillers, called “If That Isn’t Love”. From there I continued to step out and do more solos in groups and choirs.
How did you know you wanted a career in music? To be honest, I never looked at it as having a “career” in music. It was always and still is ministry for me. When you look at it as a “career”, then it becomes about the money. Now, do I believe that I should be compensated when ministering? Yes! With ministry comes expense…so yes. However, making money is not the reason why I’m going down this path. God chose me to do this, so I’m doing what He’s called me to do willingly and passionately. And I knew He called me to sing after I had sung “If That Isn’t Love”. Something happened to me when I sang that song. I felt the power of God all over me and each time thereafter– it was hard for me to contain myself. And it’s the same way to this day. When I sing, I’m very passionate about what I’m singing and my goal when singing is that while you’re listening, you should be sensing that same power that I’m feeling as I sing – the anointing. There should be a sense of change in the atmosphere – you should be able to say “this woman spends time with God”.
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You’re a wife, mother and an artist, how do Can you give some advice to the new up and you manage playing numerous roles all at coming artist on what to expect in the music once? industry? The pitfalls and the success? How do I manage? GOD! It’s not easy. It takes a lot of balancing and juggling. Having a supportive family makes it easier. I’ve got 2 wonderful little boys that understand that Mommy sometimes has to go sing to make people happy. Sometimes, my eldest, Marquese has to come to rehearsal with me – so I already KNOW he’s going to sing!
At what point did you realize you had stumbled across success as an artist? When I got signed to the record label, formerly known as EMI Gospel, now called Motown Gospel, out of Nashville, TN. THAT was a big deal for me, my family, my church family, everyone! For a Canadian to be signed to an American label is huge. And then to be received internationally by Americans, those in the UK and abroad, was amazing and an incredible blessing because it’s not guaranteed. Even though, I’m no longer with the label, I’m eternally grateful for what EMI brought to my life and the stage that they set for me. So much so, that my fans all over haven’t forgotten me. I still get emails and posts from people all over about my music. And God gets the glory for that.
To the new artist, stay faithful in your home church. If you’re faithful in small things, God will exalt you and allow you to steward greater things. Show yourself to be faithful. If you’re in this for the money, your mindset is wrong and you need to re-think your purpose. It can’t be about the money or else you will frustrate yourself because the gospel industry is not on the same level economically as the secular industry. So anyone involved in gospel music has to be doing it because they believe they are called to it and from that basis will reap financially the way God sees fit. Never think that you became successful by yourself. Always remember that it’s because of God. He could choose anyone He wans, but He chose you and because He has an agenda and a plan to fulfill through you, He’s the one that opens the doors of success for you. And the doors that are closed, He closes them for His own purpose. The day you decide to take the glory and forget to thank Him is the day you’ll fall flat on your face and wonder what happened. “Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18) and “For everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased” (Luke 14:11).
What do you consider your ultimate assignment in ministry as an artist? Having people acknowledge your ministry and recognize My ultimate assignment is to be used by God to bring healing, encouragement and deliverance to those who need it, through song and bring them to Jesus Christ.
Tell us about the inspiration behind your new single, “NOBODY”? My life has been through a lot of ups and downs. I’ve been through many, many trials that have made me stronger. Just like Whitney “I didn’t know my own strength”. I’m amazed that I’m still standing and I know that it’s NOBODY, but Jesus! And I wanted to make that declaration that every blessing is because of Him. I’m LITERALLY alive today because of Jesus, NOBODY, but Jesus.
that you’re serious about what you do is awesome. Receiving awards, getting paid for your ministry, travelling and singing all over and recording your music and music for others – all of that is awesome! Those are wonderful and tangible blessings. However, the greatest accomplishment is when you know that every time you sing, someone’s life has been changed. Someone has decided to live, instead of committing suicide because of that one song that you sang. Someone decided not to give up on their children because you told them “God is able!” Someone simply felt God’s presence at that moment, more than they have in a very long time just because YOU ministered to them. Nothing is more important than that.
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A Few Moments With...
M A RV IA
“Singing and preaching is about spreading the Gospel.”
Providence
1. How does it feel to be dubbed ‘The Queen of Caribbean Gospel”? The Queen of Caribbean Gospel, wow! I’m not sure how to respond to that. I’m just grateful to be a part of what God is doing in this season and honoured that there are folks who love and appreciate what God is doing through me, who would give me such a title.
2. You’re also a noted and anointed evangelist. When did you realize you were called to minister in the role of an evangelist? I was always an Evangelist even when I was doing just concerts, because it’s not just a title. Singing and preaching is about spreading the Gospel. That’s why it’s called “Gospel Music”. I’m a soul winner first. I believe that in everything we do, as children of God, our main focus should be about winning souls. I was always attracted to the call of evangelism, even before I knew what God had in mind. I started out travelling with different evangelists in the earlier part of my ministry.
3. Being a gospel vocalist and minister, what is most rewarding? The most rewarding part of ministry, without a doubt, is winning souls and seeing the transformation that takes place in the lives of people through the power of the Holy Ghost. Also having the privilege of being the vessel God uses to accomplish that. There’s no greater fulfillment.
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For The Master
How did For The Master get its start?
It was something I had wanted to put together since I was 18. I wanted to have a team of young worshipers that were talented and “hype”. All I knew back then was that I wanted it to be fresh and fun. But it was never allowed to come together. That was God holding it back. It took 11 YEARS for me to realize that it was supposed to be much more than that. 11 years of writing songs with no one to sing them. 11 years of trying every now and then to get something started, with no success. 11 years of the right people being in the “wrong places” (as was my perception at the time). It wasn’t until about 4 years ago, I reached a place where I was ready to completely give up on my dream. That’s the moment when things actually started to come together. I had to learn that if God was going to allow me to do this young worship group, it wasn’t going to be about me in any way. It wasn’t going to be a group where I just got to play my favorite songs. It wasn’t to be a group where I get to showcase my licks and my runs. It wasn’t going to be something to make myself, or anyone in the group, feel special. This is why the group is named “For The Master”, because in no way is it meant to be for our own satisfaction. Only God’s.
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So, only after I made the decision to give it all up, did things start to come together. That was when the right people just sort of popped into my life. I just started randomly meeting new singers and musicians. Young, talented, humble ones. And they were all ready to serve. So I called up my good friend, Ryan Robinson, whom I had always had in mind to be the group’s front man. We all got together in my basement and started singing and playing. Worshipping really. Everything just sort of clicked right away. From there, we planned some worship concerts and everything just began to flow.
touring the world and all that. That would be totally awesome, but it’s all up to God. We’ve come this far by waiting on His direction, and I pray we will continue to do so.
2. Tell us about your music. What influences are heard in your music?
B. All of the songs on our album were written while I was on the job, driving a forklift. Oddly enough, that’s where I’ve found I can have the most intimate worship experiences with God because it’s just Him and I for 8 straight hours. Don’t worry, there were never any forklift accidents, due to an intense worship experience. :)
It’s kind of funny. When people ask about the style of music we play, the quickest way I can describe it is, “Somewhere between Fred Hammond and Beyoncé.” Of course, those aren’t the only two influences, but that’s the quickest way to sum it up. When I really think about, For The Master’s sound has probably been influenced by artists from across the entire spectrum of contemporary music. Of course, the gospel artists that have impacted the development of our sound would include Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond, but you might also hear concepts from R&B artists like Usher, Ne-Yo, and Beyoncé. Maybe even a tiny bit of Drake. However, there’s a whole other world of music thrown in there, as well. Traces of 80’s rock and blues like Alannah Myles or even hints of film composers like Jerry Goldsmith and Hans Zimmer.
4. Give us an interesting fact about the group, For The Master. Well, here’s two. A. The founder and director of the group is the bass player, and his beautiful wife is the drummer.
5. The group is nominated in five categories for Canada‘s Glass Awards. How does it feel? Honestly, it’s quite unexpected. We’re pretty well floored actually. When we were working on the album, we really had no idea if it would be well received by the gospel community. There were some songs I was working on that I knew were a little different, both in style and lyrical content. I wasn’t sure if they would fly, but the group liked them a lot. So, we went ahead with them all full force. So, 5 nominations...Wow. We are beyond grateful. Praise God! He deserves all the credit.
In terms of lyrical content, we really want to reach everyone. We want to make sure that everyone can connect and identify with our songs. Our first album is titled “No Pretension”. Many of the songs are about just being honest with ourselves and honest with God. We need to repent. We need His help, His strength, His joy. We realize we cannot live simply following our own desires. We just want to make our Master happy. 3. What are your long-term career goals? To be honest, that’s a tough question to answer because we’re leaving this whole thing totally in God’s hands. I could tell you that we’d like to be rich and
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Sabrina Shen York University (Visual Art) Instagram: sabrinaysys Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124013115@N07/ Email: buaitang@hotmail.com
“I don’t make a photograph just with a camera, a photograph has picked2 1 up a best moment with love of my life.”
Motivation Universe
We create Music that Agrees with the Greatness inside of you. About Us
Motivation Universe is a brand, a movement, a new format of music that people have been waiting for. We are motivators, writers, singers, musicians, and actors, successful men and women across the world coming together to produce motivational music that ignites, builds and agrees with the greatness inside of people. We all know that music was created to change the dynamics of an atmosphere. We believe the time is now that we use music to help change the atmosphere in our minds, to deliver words that empower, words that declare that we are champions. We know that words have creative power and our thoughts make it so. What we hear everyday creates our world. We believe that there are keys in all of us that are used to unlock our creative wealth. No more secrets, we are here to show people how their dreams and visions can become reality.
MISSION
To be the hub for everything motivational. To awaken the greatness inside of every race, culture, religion, age, and status and remind them that they were created to win.
Purpose
To provide music that inspires people as they are moving forward on their journey to success. To provide the tools that empower, using words of wisdom, knowledge and understand through suggested reads and videos from motivational speakers, musicians, actors, and successful people throughout the world. To reveal the truth, there is no secret to success, but everyone has the seed of greatness inside of them. Contact: motivationaluniverse@gmail.com Call: 614-649-4230 or 770-572-4388
Visit us:
www.motiverse.net
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Nicole Antionette ABOUT NICOLE ANTIONETTE Makeup Artist
Nicole Antionette has been expressing her creativity through makeup for the past twelve years. She began to explore her craft as an apprentice under one of Toronto’s top makeup artist Shauna Llewellyn who introduced her to the world of film/television and editorial makeup. She has since then flourished and expanded her skill and knowledge of the art, specializing in fashion and beauty makeup and working with such prestigious companies as M.A.C Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown, Armani, and Dior. She has had various opportunities to work in the fashion industry doing makeup in large scale fashion shows such as Fashion Cares and working with various designers in Toronto’s Fashion week. Using makeup as an art form she has taken her skill from the face and extended it to the body doing body painting for such events as Jeanne Becker’s FQ Magazine launch and M.A.C’s deck of cards. As a true creative soul, Nicole is driven by a passion for working with other artists. “I love being a part of the image development process, and seeing the transformation. She believes that every woman has their own sense of style and beauty. Makeup can only enhance what already exists. Trends come and go but your beauty remains your own...and a little mascara never hurt anyone! To book Nicole or for any business inquiries, please go to www.nicoleantionette.com
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Creativity is defined as the invention or origin of any new thing. With her mind set on success, Michelle Berry has allowed her creativity to take her to new dimensions in culinary arts. From this, Shelley’s Catering & Special Events Inc. was developed in early March 2011. Shelley’s Catering is a modern yet sheik catering company where excellence is the standard. Stepping out of the box, this company goes above and beyond to give each customer an individual experience. With a young yet classically influenced approach to turn food into an Art-form, Shelley’s Catering & Special Events Inc. is a full-service off-premise catering company which provides not only a custom menu, but also offers a wide range of services to their very diverse clientele. From full event planning, rentals, to floral to entertainment as well as Private Dinner, Corporate Office Party, Wedding, Church Luncheon, or two year olds birthday party Shelley’s Catering & Special Events Inc. personalizes every detail of the culinary experience. Contact us as follow:
Website: www.shelleycatering.com Email: michelle@shelleycatering.com Phone: (416) 948-5723
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Shelley Jarrett is the Founder and CEO of Sj Image Creations and the owner and Publisher of SMJ Magazine an online image, lifestyle and business biannual magazine, based in Mississauga Ontario. She is the Woman of Excellence winner 2013 for Outstanding Entrepreneur presented by the annual Glass Awards. The image consulting company was launched October 2011, and strives to teach and train women on building their image. Acting as a mentor to many women in the community, Shelley helps them to look good, feel good and perform better in their work places and in their personal lives. work places and in their personal lives.
Shelley Jarrett has been in the corporate industry in sales and marketing for almost 20 years, and in that time has also accumulated expertise in the area of fashion and style. Her scholastic background includes a diploma in social services from Sheridan College Oakville Ont., a Bachelor of Arts degree in human services, and a certificate in women’s entrepreneurship. Ms. Jarrett has helped many women to confidently portray themselves and build positive self-image through her work. She created the “Confident U� workshop for women as one of the many outlets to provide simple tips on how to dress successfully and feel confident when presenting themselves in competitive job markets as well as business meetings. Ms. Jarrett is also a renowned leader in her community,(Mississauga and the Greater Toronto area), heading up several community events and business ventures. She has written several articles and blogs about image building and her business, appeared in several media interviews, local newspapers, magazines and television. Ms. Jarrett has a background in the performing arts, acting, in several plays and also tv. Having a key eye for fashion she has developed a unique workshop series to educate women with some basic techniques on how to dress and flatter the body shape. Shelley describes herself as a self-described problem-solver, who uses her open friendly and quick personality to connect with her clients. There seems to be no stopping for this creative mind.
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About SMJ Magazine is a full color online Canadian image lifestyle and business Publication for today’s men & women. Description SMJ Magazine will provide readers with tips, ideas and tools, on how to build your image and grow your brand. We bring inspiring and uplifting stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. A platform where professionals and entrepreneurs can strive towards attaining their own spotlight. A place where prople tell their story, what they’ ve done, what they are currently doing and how they are using their gifts and talents to help others with their dreams. The magazine is packed with tips on fashion, beauty, health and wellness, arts and entertainment, image building along with business and finance. We encourage you to contact us to discuss potential partnerships and future sponsorship opportunities. We actively support local charities and community events.
Shelley can be reached: Email: shelley@sjimagecreations.com Telephone #: 416-839-2792 Weblinks: http://www.sjimagecreations.com/ http://pinterest.com/shellyspix/ https://twitter.com/SJImageCreation http://www.linkedin.com/in/sjimagecreations https://www.facebook.com/SJImageCreations
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SUMMER ACCESSORY REPORT 2014 By Sophia Cunningham
Accessories this Summer are unabashedly bold. The statement “Go big or go home” set the ring tone for Summer’s accessory brawl. Big is certainly better. Exotic is the new pretty and lethal isn’t as deadly as you’d imagined. As tempting as it may be to pile it all on, follow this rule of thumb: no more than three types worn simultaneously. Whether you plan on going the whole nine yards or dipping feet first in what may appear as a sea of foreign water, one thing is for certain, these accessories will change your sartorial game.
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FOR THE LADIES Arm Candy Make a statement with men’s size watches, diamond or rhinestone encrusted with a rose gold finish or opt for a sizable solid gold cuff crafted with angular lines and textured details. Now, if you want a ring party, opt for gigantic petal blooms, dazzling gemstones, or even an insect or a bird crown (butterfly, bug, spider, eagle, owl). For some that may be the closest you’ll ever come to touching one. For a softer, more feminine touch, daintier, smaller bands can be stacked in multiples along the fingers. The effect is as stunning and impressive. One thing is for certain, the message is clear, more is more. In doubt? Just keep piling! Heels Displayed As Artwork No longer are the days when artwork is restricted to being hung on a wall. Ladies shoes today are making the most noise and creating an art scene along the streets. On the fashion runways and sidewalks of the streets of Paris, London, New York and Milan shoes morphed into art and architecture. Think sculptural, spiked, studded, translucent, cone heels, wings details and the like. Statement Necklaces This season’s statement necklaces aren’t for the shrinking violets. They are larger, chunkier, gaudy with mixed metals, rhinestones, stones and weaved, roped, netted, concocting master pieces that scream “Notice Me!”. Turquoise, coral, orchid and persimmon are the darlings of hues most favored. Toss these stand-out necklaces with simple solid color dresses, classy heels and you’re winning! Minaudières These tiny miniature clutches really pack a punch and bring a polished sophistication to any outfit. Choose bold, vibrant hues such as fuchsia, neon green or metallic for instant drama. Word to the big bag totters, you’re going to have to edit. Bare essentials only M.I.L.K. - money (cash, credit card), I.D., lipstick and keys and you’re ready to sashay!
FOR THE GENTS Pocket Squares The right pocket square is like the cherry atop a mouth watering sundae. Whether it’s neatly folded, fluffed to perfection or just loosely tucked, we swear by the square. Best yet, that little thingy need not match anything you’re wearing. Let it stand on it’s own. Bold Socks Socks are probably one of the easiest and quickest ways to showcase your savoir-faire. Brights, stripes, polka dots, color blocks, paisley...showcase your personality with your socks. Remember, a great pair of shoes is the perfect compliment. Preferably oxfords please. Stop! Behold, great style is coming through.
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Professor Satchel / Tote Lug it all in style and distinguish yourself from the commercial pack. Ditch the stuffy executive briefcase in lieu of the worn-in professor duffle tote. If you can score an authentic vintage tote, you’ve just sealed your swag appeal. Headwear A tip of the hat is becoming of the true gent. Dress up a classic look with a fedora hat or put a cool spin on urban chic by donning a news boy cap. The key to pull off this look seamlessly is in the attitude. Two words, OWN it!
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